r 
and thrown well above the foliage. There should be not less than 
fifteen to twenty pips or flower Umbels in each, these should be 
smooth, evenly set, and of good substance, broad segment of 
petal, a well-defined eye, and of sufficient stamina to withstand 
the hot sun without being burned. It is also very important that 
the truss should show all its pips or Umbels fully expanded at a 
time. In many varieties, the outer circle falls off before the center 
is expanded, thus forming a ragged, unsightly looking truss. 
^rDpajatioit Iig Cuttiirgs. 
For this, four to six inch pots may be used, placing in the bot- 
tom of each broken crockery for drainage ; upon this two inches of 
leaf-mold, filling out the pot with clear silver sand (river sand 
may be used) ; water sufficient to saturate the whole, and prepare 
the cuttings by selecting the points of the strongest shoots, cut- 
ting them from two to three inches in length, below and near a 
joint, trim off the lower leaves, and with a pointed stick prick the 
cuttings into the sand about half their length, and near the edge 
of the pot. Water the whole in order to settle the sand com- 
pactly about them. The pots may then be placed where they will 
be fully exposed to the sun, taking care to keep the sand con- 
stantly moist, also that the plants have plenty of air. Cuttings 
propagated in this way, are not drawn up lank and spindling, but 
form fine stocky plants, becoming well-rooted in fifteen to twenty 
days. They may then be potted into three-inch pots and plunged 
in sand, or tan in a warm frame. 
Plants designed for Winter bloom in the parlor, or setting- 
room, should be propagated from cuttings in June, potted into 
three-inch pots and plunged in a cold frame. Pinch off the tops 
of each to cause them to throw out shoots at the bottom. Water 
regularly every evening for the first five or six weeks, and occa- 
sionally shower the foliage. By having a part of the frame two 
or three feet deep, the plants may remain in it until about the first 
of December, taking care to cover the sash with mats in severe 
cold nights. Give the plants occasional shifts into larger sized 
14 
